Game Piece with Swappable Base

ABSTRACT

A game piece with swappable base and method of swapping bases is provided. The game piece includes a base having a selector disk rotatably engaged with a base disk, and a label positioned between the selector disk and the base disk, and a figure having a platform and a character. The base disk includes a figure retaining area, such that the platform of the figure is configured to be removably secured with the area. A second base may be provided having a second selector disk rotatably engaged with a second base disk, and a second label positioned between the second selector disk and the second base disk. The second base disk includes a figure retaining area, such that the platform of the figure is configured to be removably secured with the area of the second base. The figure may be swapped between the first base and the second base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/704,280, filed on Sep. 21, 2012,the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to game pieces for games and morespecifically to a game piece having a base with a selector disk and aminiature figure on the base, wherein the miniature figure is removablyattachable to the base, and where bases are swappable with other bases.

2. Related Art

A degree of realism can be added to games, especially war and fantasygames, through the use of miniature figures to represent characters inthe games. Each participant in the game manipulates characters, eachrepresented by a miniature figure and each being endowed with certaincharacteristics, e.g., strength and range of movement, that enter intothe resolution of a given event, such as a battle or other interfacebetween characters. As the complexity of each character and eachscenario grows, and as the number of characters increases, thecomplexity of the game increases. Game pieces are often provided as aminiature figure connected with a base that allows the miniature figureto be stably placed on a game field. As such, the miniature figures aregenerally limited to the base that they are sold and attached to.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game piece having a base with aselector disk and a removably mounted figure on the base. The figure canbe attached to one or more of a plurality of bases. The selector disk isrotatably engaged with a base disk, and a label positioned between theselector disk and the base disk. The base disk has a figure retainingarea and a window, with the label being viewable through the window. Thefigure includes a platform and the figure can be mounted to theplatform. The platform is configured to be removably secured with thebase.

A game piece set comprises a first base, a second base, and a figure.The first base includes a first selector disk rotatably engaged with afirst base disk, and a first label positioned between the first selectordisk and the first base disk. The first base disk has a figure retainingarea and a window, with the first label being viewable through thewindow. The second base includes a second selector disk rotatablyengaged with a second base disk, and a second label positioned betweenthe second selector disk and the second base disk. The second base diskhas a figure retaining area and a window, with the second label beingviewable through the window. The figure includes a platform and acharacter mounted to the platform. The platform is configured to beremovably secured with either the figure retaining area of the firstselector disk or the figure retaining area of the second selector disk.

A method of swapping a base of the game piece comprises providing afirst base, a second base, and a figure having a platform. The platformof the figure is removably secured to the figure retaining area of thefirst base. The figure can then be pulled away from the base so that theplatform disengages and is removed from the figure retaining area of thefirst base. The figure is then placed in the figure retaining area ofthe second base and removably secured to the second base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing Detailed Description of the Invention, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic representation of a prior art game piecebase;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prior art game piece baseillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art game piece including afigure mounted on a base;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a game piece having a base and adetached figure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game piece of FIG. 4 showing thefigure removably attached to the first base;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the game piece of FIG. 4 showing thefigure detached from a first base and transferable to a second base;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game piece of FIG. 4 showing thefigure positioned over the second base;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the game piece of FIG. 4 removablyattached to the second base;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachable figurewith prongs having first and second locking protuberances;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with magnetic components;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with hook and loop fastenercomponents;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with a bolt and threadedaperture;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with a bolt and threadedaperture;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with adhesive;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure separated with a slidable lockingtab on the figure and a mating aperture in the base;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the base and the removably attachablefigure of FIG. 15A showing the base and the figure connected with theslidable locking tab in a “locked” position;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure separated with a slidable lockingtab on the base and a mating aperture in the figure platform;

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the base and the removably attachablefigure of FIG. 16A showing the base and the figure connected with theslidable locking tab in a “locked” position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with snap-fit button components;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with a mating protrusion andcavity;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with a mating clip and cavity;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure separated with a clip on thebase;

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the base and the removably attachablefigure of FIG. 20A showing the base and the figure together with thefigure being retained by the clip;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure separated with a clip on thebase;

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the base and the removably attachablefigure of FIG. 21A showing the base and the figure together with thefigure being retained by the clip;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure with a press-fit connection;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a base and a removably attachablefigure showing the base and the figure separated with first and secondcompartments on the base for securing the figure;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the base and the removably attachablefigure of FIG. 23A showing the figure rotated to be attached to thebase;

FIG. 23C is a perspective view of the base and the removably attachablefigure of FIG. 23A showing the figure placed on the base in position tobe removably attached to the base;

FIG. 23D is a perspective view of the base and the removably attachablefigure of FIG. 23A showing the figure rotated and attached to the base;and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a base functioning as a display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Miniature figures are often used in games, especially war and fantasygames, to represent characters in the games. These characters, forexample, can be a Roman legionnaire, a Civil War Union soldier, amagician, or a mythical beast, depending on the game. Games can beplayed to re-enact historical battles, such as the Spartan defense ofThermopylae against the invading Persian army under King Xerxes, or tocreate a fantastical battle such as one pitting elves and humans againsttrolls and ores. Each participant in the game commands an army ofcharacters, each represented by a miniature figure. Each character isendowed with certain strengths and weaknesses, all of which enter intothe resolution of a given battle. To add interest to the battle, otherfactors such as magic and terrain can also be included. Exemplaryminiature figures and bases are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,332,granted May 31, 2005, titled “Game Piece and Method of Playing a Gameand Supplying the Game Piece,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,333, granted May 31,2005, titled “Game Piece and Method of Playing a Game and Supplying theGame Piece,” and U.S. Pat. No. D506,788, granted Jun. 28, 2005, titled“Viewer Portion of Game Piece,” the disclosures of which are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference as a part of the present disclosureas if fully set forth herein.

As the complexity of each character and each scenario grows, and as thenumber of characters increases, the complexity of the game increases.The challenge of miniature games for players is the extensive andcomplicated nature of the rules and the need for record keeping for eachfigure within the game.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a game piece base 10 designed to ease thecomplexity of such games. Each game piece base 10 is a self-containedrecord-keeping device that includes a base disk 20, a label 25, and aselector disk 30.

The selector disk 30 includes an upper surface 34, a post 38 mounted inthe center of the selector disk 30, and a plurality of fingers 42mounted at the periphery of the selector disk 30. The plurality offingers 42 includes six short fingers 46 alternating with six longfingers 50. In alternate embodiments, any other suitable number orsizing of fingers may be used. One of the short fingers 46 includes abutton 54 formed therewith and rising vertically from the upper surface34.

The label 25 including an aperture 58 is attached to the upper surface34 of the selector disk 30 such that the aperture 58 aligns with thepost 38. A series of numbers in twelve columns of three appears on thelabel (not shown). Each column is spaced at approximately thirty-degreeintervals around the label. In alternate embodiments, any other suitablearrangement of numbers can be used.

The base disk 20 includes an L-shaped stat slot or aperture 62 thatallows one column of numbers and additional data from the label 25 to beseen at a given position of the base disk 20 relative to the selectordisk 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a FIG. 80 may be attached to an upper surface74 of the base disk 20 to form a game piece or warrior 90. The FIG. 80may be any representational figure representing a character in a game.

In other embodiments (not shown), the described game piece base 10 maybe any record-keeping device, such as mechanical and electronic countersthat are suitable for recording and conveying information. Specifically,the game piece base 10 allows for the variation of indicia during thecourse of play. In still other embodiments, the FIG. 80 may be anysuitable type of figure, including humans, animals, and mythical,mechanical, or fantastical creatures. The game piece base 10 may be madeavailable in conjunction with or separately from the FIG. 80 to allowfor interchangeability between FIGS. 80 and bases, or to allow one toacquire a base to match a FIG. 80 one already has.

The game pieces 90 are preferably molded in plastic, pre-painted, andrandomly inserted into opaque packages that are preferably glued closedor shrink wrapped to prevent opening. The package could be designed toconceal the identity of the game piece 90 from the purchaser. These gamepieces 90 are produced in different quantities. As a result, some aredesigned to be rare and very collectible. The players buy packages totry to collect the game pieces 90 that the player wants to amass andplay with. Typically, the rareness of a game piece 90 corresponds to thevalue of that game piece 90. In other words, a rarer game piece 90 ismore effective in the game. This method of packaging, selling, andcollecting game piece miniatures has the advantage of being unique.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a game piece 100 of the presentinvention illustrating a first base 110 separated from a FIG. 120. Thefirst base 110 includes a base disk 122, a selector disk 124, and alabel 126. The base disk 122 and the selector disk 124 can be rotatablyattached to one another with the label 126 secured between them. Forexample, the base disk 122 and the selector disk 124 can be attached inthe fashion described previously with regards to FIGS. 1-3.Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the base disk 122 and theselector disk 124 can be configured and attached such that the base disk122 and the selector disk 124 are coaxial with the same circumference.In this configuration, the base disk 122 can be provided on top of theselector disk 124 so that the exterior perimeter wall of each isaligned, as opposed to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 thatrequires a wall or fingers of the selector disk to essentially house thebase disk. Nonetheless, the base disk 122 and the selector disk 124would be attached in a fashion that allows for rotation of the selectordisk 124 relative to the base disk 122. Further, the label 126 should berotationally secured with the selector disk 124, such that rotation ofthe selector disk 124 would result in rotation of the label 126 as well.The selector disk 124 is provided with a plurality of ridges 128 thatprovide a gripping surface so that a player can manually rotate theselector disk 124 relative to the base disk 122. It should be noted thatany base configuration could be utilized in accordance with theremovable figures disclosed herein.

The base disk 122 includes a top surface 130, a window 132, and a figureretaining area 134. The window 132 extends from the top surface 130 ofthe base disk 122 through the entire thickness thereof, such that aplayer can see the label 126 provided between the base disk 122 and theselector disk 124. As such, the label 126 could contain variousinformation such as figure statistics, figure attributers, figurestatus, game data, game status, etc. This information could be arrangedin groups or columns spaced at particular degree intervals around thelabel 126, e.g., thirty degree intervals. During gameplay, a player canrotate the selector disk 124, and thus the label 126, so that differentinformation is displayed through the window 132.

A figure retaining area 134 is provided on a top surface 130 of the basedisk 122. The area 134 could be a defined space 136 on the top surface130 of the base disk 122. A rim 138 could be formed about the space 136to define the perimeter of the figure retaining area 134. The figureretaining area 134, as shown in FIG. 4, could include a first retentionaperture 140 a and a second retention aperture 140 b.

The FIG. 120 includes a character 148 which could be directly attachableto the base 110 or could be mounted on a platform 142, having a topsurface 144 and a bottom surface 146. The character 148 is secured tothe top surface 144 of the platform 142 and can be any character thatmay fit the game being played, as described above with regard to FIGS.1-3. For example, the character 148 could be a human, an elf, an orc, asoldier, a warrior, a civil war soldier, a roman legionnaire, a policeoffice, a robber, a superhero, etc. The platform 142 should have aperimeter shape that matches the perimeter of the figure retaining area134 to facilitate seating the FIG. 120 in the space 136 of the base 110.Extending from the bottom surface 146 of the platform 142 is a firstprotrusion 150 a and a second protrusion 150 b. The first and secondprotrusions 150 a, 150 b are configured to be inserted in to the firstand second retention apertures 140 a, 140 b, such that the FIG. 120 isremovably secured to the base 110. The first and second protrusions 150a, 150 b, and the first and second retention apertures 140 a, 140 b areshown as having matching square geometries with rounded edges. Thisfacilitates the first and second protrusions 150 a, 150 b being insertedinto the first and second retention apertures 140 a, 140 b. However, itshould be noted that the first and second protrusions 150 a, 150 b andthe first and second retention apertures 140 a, 140 b can have anymatching geometry, and is not limited to square with rounded edges. Forexample, they can be circular, rectangular, oval, etc. Further, itshould be understood that there can be any number of protrusions andretention apertures, as long as there are at least as many aperture asthere are protrusions, e.g., three apertures and three protrusions orthree apertures and two protrusions. Additionally, there may be only asingle aperture and a single protrusion. It should also be noted thatthe connection between the FIG. 120 and the base 110 could be enhancedby creating a friction fit therebetween, created by the size, shape, orspacing of the apertures 140 a, 140 b and the protrusions 150 a, 150 b.

To removably attach the FIG. 120 to the base 110 a player moves the FIG.120 in the direction of arrow A so that the first and second protrusions150 a, 150 b are respectively inserted into the first and secondretention apertures 140 a, 140 b. As shown in FIG. 5, when the FIG. 120is removably attached to the base 110, the platform 142 is seated in thefigure retaining area 134. As such, the FIG. 120 can not be rotated, butcan be removed by pulling the FIG. 120 from the base 110. The platform142 could be configured with a thickness that matches the height of therim 138, so that the top surface 144 of the platform 142 is co-planarwith the top surface 130 of the rim 138. However, a rim is not requiredand the removable FIG. 120 could be attached to a base that does nothave a rim.

The removability between the FIG. 120 and the base 110 allows for aplayer to replace the FIG. 120 that is originally associated with thebase 110, or, alternatively, replace the base 110 that is associatedwith the FIG. 120. For example, a player may be playing a game wherehe/she has a first FIG. 120 and a first base 110. During this game, theFIG. 120 may receive an upgrade, promotion, or may “evolve” into agreater version of themself, for example, the FIG. 120 may be upgradedfrom a warrior orc to a commander orc, or a private Two Star Generalfigure may receive a promotion to a Three Star General figure based onthe game play. In such a scenario, the player may replace the originalFIG. 120 with the upgraded figure, but keep the same base, or viceversa.

Alternatively, there may be multiple types of bases that relate todifferent games having different game play elements. For example, onebase may have a plurality of figure attributes listed on the label, asdescribed above, while another game play element may simply have a firstlabel position signifying alive and a second label position signifyingdead. Therefore, a player may switch their acquired figures to differentbases when the player desires to play different games.

FIGS. 6-9 are perspective views illustrating how a FIG. 120 could betransferred from a first base 110 to a second base 210. The second base210 is substantially identical in construction to the first base 110 asdescribed previously with regard to FIG. 8, with the only differencebeing the markings on the label. That is, the second base 210 includes abase disk 222, a selector disk 224, and a label 226. The base disk 222and the selector disk 224 are rotationally interconnected with the label226 secured between the base disk 222 and the selector disk 224. Theselector disk 224 includes a plurality of ridges 228 that provide agripping surface so that a player can manually rotate the selector disk224 relative to the base disk 222. The base disk 222 includes a topsurface 230, a window 232, and a figure retaining area 234. The window232 extends from the top surface 230 of the base disk 222 through theentire thickness thereof, such that a player can see the label 226provided between the base disk 222 and the selector disk 224.Alternatively, any other type of game base can be utilized. The figureretaining area 234 is formed by a space 236 on the top surface 230 ofthe base disk 222 defined by a rim 238 formed about the space 236 anddefines the perimeter of the figure retaining area 234. The figureretaining area 234 further includes a first retention aperture 240 a anda second retention aperture 240 b.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8 the second base 210 could have a label 226 havinga design that is different than the label 126 of the first base 110.

When a player switches a FIG. 120 from a first base 110 to a second base210 the player lifts the FIG. 120 in an upward direction, indicated byarrow B, with respect to the base 110, to withdraw the first and secondprotrusions 150 a, 150 b from the first and second retention apertures140 a, 140 b. The player then transfers the FIG. 120 to the second base210, e.g., in the direction of arrow C, as shown in FIG. 6. Once theplayer has the FIG. 120 adjacent the second base 210, the player lowersthe FIG. 120 in the direction of arrow D so that the first and secondprotrusions 150 a, 150 b are respectively inserted into the first andsecond retention apertures 240 a, 240 b of the second base 210, as shownin FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, when the FIG. 120 is removably attachedto the base 110, the platform 142 is seated on the figure retaining area234. Just like the first base 110, the height of the space 236, e.g.,the height of the rim 238, can match the thickness of the platform 142so that the top surface 144 of the platform 142 is co-planar with thetop surface of the rim 138.

FIGS. 9-23D show alternative mechanisms for releasably securing a figureto a base. As shown in FIG. 9, first and second protuberances 350 a, 350b may extend outwardly from each of the first and second protrusions 150a, 150 b. In such an arrangement, the first and second protrusions 150a, 150 b are smaller than the first and second retention apertures 140a, 140 b such that when the protrusions 150 a, 150 b are inserted intothe respective retention apertures 140 a, 140 b, the first and secondprotuberances 350 a, 350 b contact the outer wall of the retentionapertures 140 a, 140 b forcing the protrusions 150 a, 150 b to flexinward toward each other. When the protrusions 150 a, 150 b are fullyinserted the first and second protuberances 350 a, 350 b are locatedbeyond the depth of the apertures 140 a, 140 b allowing the protrusions150 a, 150 b to return to their normal position with the first andsecond protuberances 350 a, 350 b engaging the bottom of the apertures140 a, 140 b and locking the FIG. 120 with the base 110. To remove theFIG. 120, a player would simply pull upward, which would cause the firstand second protuberances 350 a, 350 b to engage the aperture walls andforce the protrusions 150 a, 150 b to flex inward toward each other,thus facilitating removal.

As shown in FIG. 10, a magnetic material 402 can be embedded in, orpositioned under, the platform 142 of the FIG. 120, while acorresponding magnet 404 can be embedded in, or positioned on, thefigure retaining area 134 of the base 110. In such an arrangement, theFIG. 120 can be placed on the base 110 so that the platform 142 isnested in the figure retaining area 134 and secured in place by themagnetic attraction between the magnet 404 and the magnetic material402.

As shown in FIG. 11, one of a hook and loop fastener 502 may be securedto the bottom surface 146 of the platform 142 of the FIG. 120, while theother of the hook and loop fastener 504 may be secured in the figureretaining area 134 of the base 110. In such an arrangement, the FIG. 120can be placed on the base 110 so that the platform 142 is nested in thefigure retaining area 134 and secured in place by engagement of the hookand loop fasteners 502, 504.

As shown in FIG. 12, the platform 142 of the FIG. 120 may include athreaded bolt 600 extending therethrough. The threaded bolt 600 includesa threaded shaft 602 and a user-engageable head portion 604. The figureretaining area 134 of the base 100 includes a threaded aperture 606configured and positioned to threadably engage the threaded shaft 602.In such an arrangement, the FIG. 120 can be placed on the base 100 sothat the platform 142 is nested in the figure retaining area 134 andsecured in place by a user manually rotating the bolt head 604, causingthe threaded shaft 602 to engage the threaded aperture 606. Continualrotation of the bolt head 604 causes the threaded shaft 602 to traversefurther into the threaded aperture 606. A user may rotate the bolt 604until it is flush with the top surface 144 of the platform 142. The bolthead 604, as illustrated, may include one or more radial flanges thatfacilitate a user engaging and rotating the bolt head 604.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of FIG. 12 that similarly shows athreaded bolt 700 including a threaded shaft 702 and a user-engageablehead portion 704, and a threaded aperture 706 in the figure retainingarea 134. However, the bolt head 704 of FIG. 13 is a thumb-head thatfacilitates a user engaging and rotating the threaded bolt 600. Itshould be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the boltheads 604, 704 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 are just two variationsthat are possible amongst a myriad of possible bolt heads that may beemployed to facilitate engagement of the bolt head and/or rotation ofthe associated bolt. As such, it should be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to a bolthead that includes radial flanges or a thumb-head.

As shown in FIG. 14, a figure adhesive 802 can be disposed on the bottomsurface 146 of the figure platform 142. In addition, or alternatively, abase adhesive 804 can be disposed on a surface of the figure retainingarea 134 of the base 110 that engages the figure adhesive 802. In suchan arrangement, the FIG. 120 can be placed on the base 110 so that theplatform 142 is nested in the figure retaining area 134 and secured inplace by the figure adhesive 802 engaging the base adhesive 804, thefigure adhesive 802 engaging a surface of figure retaining area 134, orthe base adhesive 804 engaging the bottom surface 146 of the platform142. The figure adhesive 802 and the base adhesive 804 are generally notpermanent adhesives, but also retain their adhesive attribute aftermultiple uses. As such, a user may separate the FIG. 120 and the base110 after they were joined and place the FIG. 120 on a different base.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the platform 142 of the FIG. 120 mayinclude a locking mechanism 900 comprising a sliding tab 902 and a track904 that extends through the platform 142. The sliding tab 902 includesan upper flange 906, a reduced width neck 908, and a locking flange 910.The reduced width neck 908 connects the upper flange 906 and the lockingflange 910, such that the neck 908 is positioned within the track 904while the upper flange 906 is adjacent the platform top surface 144 andthe locking flange 910 is adjacent the platform lower surface 146. Thesliding tab 902 is generally defined such that the neck 908 has a widthequal to the width of the track 904, while the upper flange 906 and thelocking flange 910 have a width that is larger than the width of thetrack 904. Accordingly, the sliding tab 902 is captured in the track 904so that it can be slid laterally along the track 904, but cannot beremoved from the track 904. Additionally, the neck 908 may have ageometry that does not permit rotation of the sliding tab 902 within thetrack 904.

The base 110 includes a T-shaped aperture 912 disposed in a surface ofthe figure retaining area 134. The T-shaped aperture 912 includes aninsertion slot 914 and a locking track 916 extending perpendicularlyfrom the insertion slot 914. The insertion slot 914 may have a geometrythat generally matches the geometry of the locking flange 910, while thelocking track 916 may have a geometry that generally matches thegeometry of the neck 908. The t-shaped aperture 912 is positioned in thebase 110 so that a user may place the FIG. 120 on the base 110 so thatthe platform 142 is nested in the figure retaining area 134, and thelocking flange 910 is inserted into the insertion slot 914 when thelocking flange 910 is in a first “unlocked” position. At this point, theFIG. 120 is on the base 110 in an “unlocked” condition where the lockingflange 910 has been inserted into the insertion slot 914 and ispositioned within a cavity 918 of the base 110. A user may then move thetab 902 along the track 904 such that the neck 908 slides along thetrack 904 and the locking track 916, placing the tab 902 in a “locked”position. The FIG. 120 is locked in place with the base 110, because thelocking flange 910 has a greater width than the locking track 916, andas such, cannot be removed from the t-shaped aperture 912 without firstsliding the tab 902, and thus the locking flange 910, toward theinsertion slot 914. FIG. 15B illustrates the tab 902 in a “locked”position.

As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the base 110 may include a lockingmechanism 1000 comprising a sliding lock 1002, a track 1004, and achamber 1006. As shown in FIG. 16A, the figure retaining area 134 of thebase disk 122 may be a recess within the base disk 122. In such anarrangement, the recess is defined by a ledge 138 that extends from thetop surface 130 to the bottom surface of the space 136.

The track 1004 extends through the top surface 130 of the base disk 122and into the chamber 1006. The sliding lock 1002 includes an upperflange 1008, a reduced width neck 1010, and a locking tab 1012. Thereduced width neck 1010 connects the upper flange 1008 and the lockingtab 1012, such that the neck 1010 is positioned within the track 1004while the upper flange 1008 is adjacent the top surface 130 and thelocking tab 1012 is within the chamber 1006. The sliding lock 1002 isgenerally defined such that the neck 1010 has a width equal to the widthof the track 1004, while the upper flange 1008 and the locking tab 1012have a width that is larger than the width of the track 1004. An opening1014 may be disposed in the ledge 138 such that the sliding lock 1002can be slid laterally along the track 1004 from an “unlocked” positionwhere the locking tab 1012 is housed entirely within the chamber 1006 toa “locked” position where the locking tab 1012 is at least partiallyprotruding from the opening 1014.

The platform 142 of the FIG. 120 includes a locking slot 1016 that isaccessible by a slot opening 1018 positioned in a lateral wall of theplatform 142. Generally, the locking slot 1016 and the slot opening 1018are positioned such that the slot opening 1018 is adjacent the opening1014 of the base 110 when the platform 142 is placed in the figureretaining area 134. Accordingly, when the sliding lock 1002 is in the“unlocked” position, a user may place the FIG. 120 on the base 110 sothat the platform 142 is nested in the figure retaining area 134, andthe slot opening 1018 is adjacent the opening 1014 of the base 1014. Atthis point, the FIG. 120 is on the base 110 in an “unlocked” conditionwhere the locking tab 1012 is housed within the cavity 1006. A user maythen slide the lock 1002 along the track 1004 such that the neck 1010slides along the track 1004 and the locking tab 1012 extends outwardlyfrom the opening 1014 and into the locking slot 1016, placing thesliding lock 1002 in a “locked” position. The FIG. 120 is now locked inplace with the base 110, and cannot be removed until the sliding lock1002 is slid latterly away from the FIG. 120 causing the locking tab1012 to disengage the locking slot 1016. FIG. 16B illustrates thesliding lock 1002 in a “locked” position.

As shown in FIG. 17, a male press-fit button 1102 may be secured to thebottom surface 146 of the platform 142 of the FIG. 120, while a femalepress-fit button 1104 may be secured in the figure retaining area 134 ofthe base 110. In such an arrangement, the FIG. 120 can be placed on thebase 110 so that the platform 142 is nested in the figure retaining area134 and secured in place by pressing downwardly and causing the malepress-fit button 1102 and the female press-fit button 1104 to engage oneanother.

As shown in FIG. 18, the platform 142 could be square-shaped and includea locking protrusion 1200 extending from the bottom surface 146. Thelocking protrusion 1200 could be T-shaped with a stem 1202 extendingfrom the bottom surface 146 to a plate 1204. The base 110 could includea locking boss 1206 extending from the top surface 130 of the base disk122. The locking boss 1206 could include a body 1208 including a track1210 extending through a top surface thereof to a locking chamber 1212that is adjacent the top surface 120 of the base disk 122. Additionally,the body 1208 includes an opening 1214 in one wall thereof that providesaccess to the locking chamber 1212. The locking protrusion 1200 and thelocking boss 1206 may be configured and dimensioned such that the stem1202 has a width that fits within the track 1210 while the plate 1204has a width that fits within the locking chamber 1212 and the opening1214. As such, the profile of the locking protrusion 1200 issubstantially similar to the profile of the track 1210 and the opening1214. In such a configuration, a user can place the FIG. 120 on the basedisk 122 so that the plate 1204 is adjacent the top surface 130 of thebase disk 122 and a profile face of the locking protrusion 1200 isadjacent the opening 1214. The user can then slide the FIG. 120laterally in the direction of Arrow B, so that the stem 1202 enters thetrack 1210 and the plate 1204 enters the locking chamber 1212. With theplate 1204 within the locking chamber 1212, the FIG. 120 is connected tothe base 110 until the locking protrusion 1200 is disengaged from thelocking boss 1206.

As shown in FIG. 19, the FIG. 120 may include a C-shaped platform 1300that includes a top plate 1302, a bottom plate 1304, and a lateral wall1306 that connects the top plate 1302 and the bottom plate 1304. The topplate 1302 and the bottom plate 1304 are spaced apart from one another.The base 110 may include a retention member 1308 extending from a topsurface 130 of the base disk 122. The retention member 1308 includes abody 1310 defining a cavity 1312 adjacent the top surface 130 of thebase 110. The cavity 1312 is defined to have a geometry substantiallysimilar to the bottom plate 1304 so that the bottom plate 1304 can beinserted therein. More specifically, a user can place the FIG. 120 suchthat the bottom plate 1304 is adjacent the top surface 130 of the basedisk 122 and the open end of the platform 1300 is adjacent the cavity1312. The user can then slide the platform 1300 laterally in thedirection of arrow B so that the bottom plate 1304 is inserted into thecavity 1312. In this position, the FIG. 120 is removably connected withthe base 110.

As shown in FIGS. 20A, 20B, 21A, and 21B, the base 110 includes a clip1402 disposed on the top surface 130 of the base disk 122. The clip 1402may be integral with the base disk 122 or may be a separate componentthat is welded, e.g., by means of heat welding or ultrasonic welding, tothe base disk 122. The clip 1402 may be constructed of a material thatallows for minor flexion so that the platform 142 of the FIG. 120 can beinserted underneath the clip 1402 while the clip 1402 provides aninherent spring force against the platform 142, thus securing the FIG.120 to the base disk 122. For example, the clip 1402 could be made ofmetal or plastic. FIG. 20B is an illustration showing the platform 142secured to the base disk 122 by the clip 1402. FIGS. 21A and 21B show analternative embodiment of FIG. 20A and 20B illustrating that the clip1402 can be placed on any point of the top surface 130 or that anyportion of the platform 142 of the FIG. 120 can be placed under the clip1402.

FIG. 22 is an alternative embodiment showing that the base 142 of theFIG. 120 may engage the figure retaining area 134 with a press-fitengagement. The platform 142 may have a perimeter that is slightlylarger than the inner perimeter of the rim 138 around the figureretaining area 134 so that when the platform 142 is pressed into thefigure retaining area 134 the platform 142 generates a force outward inthe direction of arrows C against the rim 138 of the figure retainingarea 134. This force causes a resulting pressure fit between theplatform 142 and the figure retaining area 134 causing the FIG. 120 tobe removably engaged with the base 110. To remove the FIG. 120, a userpulls the FIG. 120 off the base 110.

FIGS. 23A-23D show a rotating locking mechanism. A figure may be mountedon an oval-shaped platform 1500 that includes a first side 1502, asecond side 1504, a bottom surface 1506, and a top surface 1508. Firstand second locking compartments 1510 a, 1510 b may be secured to the topsurface 130 of the base disk 122. The first and second lockingcompartments 1510 a, 1510 b are identical in structure, and include abody 1514 a, 1514 b defining an internal chamber 1512 a, 1512 b. Thefirst and second locking compartments 1510 a, 1510 b further include alongitudinal opening 1516 a, 1516 b disposed in a first peripheral wallthereof that connects with a lateral opening 1518 a, 1518 b disposed ina second peripheral wall thereof, such that the longitudinal opening1516 a, 1516 b and the lateral opening 1518 a, 1518 b provide access tothe internal chamber 1512 a, 1512 b. The first and second lockingcompartments 1510 a, 1510 b are positioned on the top surface 130 of thebase disk 122 such that the longitudinal opening 1516 a of the firstcompartment 1510 a is on the same plane and facing the longitudinalopening 1518 b of the second compartment 1510 b. Generally, the firstand second locking compartments 1510 a, 1510 b are spaced apart adistance equal to the width of the platform 1500. Furthermore, theinternal chamber 1512 a, 1512 b of the first and second lockingcompartments 1510 a, 1510 b is configured so that, when the compartments1510 a, 1510 b are attached to the top surface 130, the length of thedistance between the furthest point of each internal chamber 1512 a,1512 b is approximately equal to the length of the platform 1500.

Accordingly, a FIG. 120 is removably attached to the base 110 bypositioning the platform 1500 between the first and second lockingcompartments 1510 a, 1510 b, as shown in FIG. 23C. The FIG. 120 is thenrotated counter-clockwise so that the first side 1502 rotates into theinternal chamber 1512 a of the first locking compartment 1510 a by wayof passing through the lateral opening 1518 a and the longitudinalopening 1516 a, and the second side 1504 rotates into the internalchamber 1512 b of the second locking compartment 1510 b by way ofpassing through the lateral opening 1518 b and the longitudinal opening1516 b, as shown in FIG. 23D. Once fully rotated, the platform 1500 issecured between the first and second locking compartments 1510 a until auser wishes to remove the figure by clockwise rotation.

FIG. 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure inwhich a base 1600 may be used as a display for a figure. The base 1600includes a body 1602 having a top surface 1604 and a figure retainingarea 1606 provided on the top surface 1604. The figure retaining area1606 may include a space 1608 defined by a rim 1610. The figureretaining area 1606 functions to secure a figure therein for displaypurposes when the figure is not being used in a game. The base 1600 mayinclude various designs that may fit a particular “character,” e.g., thebase 1600 may be ornamented like a jail cell or prison so that it canshow off any type of “prisoner” or “criminal” figures. Alternatively,the base 1600 may be designed with many characters in mind.

Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understoodthat the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit orscope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the presentinvention described herein are merely exemplary and that a personskilled in the art may make many variations and modification withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. All suchvariations and modifications, including those discussed above, areintended to be included within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A game piece, comprising: a base including anupper surface; an attachment area on the upper surface; a figureincluding a character mounted on a platform, the platform sized to bereceived on the attachment area; and means for removably attaching theplatform to the base.
 2. The game piece of claim 1, wherein the meansfor removably attaching the platform to the base comprises aninterference fit between the platform and a rim formed on the uppersurface of the base about the attachment area.
 3. The game piece ofclaim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the platform to thebase comprises a magnet in one of the platform or the base and amagnetic material in the other of the platform or the base.
 4. The gamepiece of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the platformto the base comprises a hook and loop fastener.
 5. The game piece ofclaim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the platform to thebase comprises at least one aperture provided in the base, and at leastone protrusion provided in the platform, the at least one aperture andthe at least one protrusion are configured to be removably engaged. 6.The game piece of claim 5, wherein the at least one protrusion and theat least one aperture have a square cross-section.
 7. The game piece ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one protrusion and the at least oneaperture have a circular cross-section.
 8. The game piece of claim 5,wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a protuberance formed onan exterior wall of the at least one protrusion, the protuberanceconfigured to engage a wall of the at least one aperture to deflect theat least one protrusion during insertion, and to disengage the wall whenfully inserted into the at least one aperture causing the at least oneprotrusion to return to its original position.
 9. The game piece ofclaim 1, further comprising a selector disk rotatably engaged with thebase.
 10. The game piece of claim 9, wherein the base includes aplurality of ridges that facilitate rotation.
 11. A figure for a gamepiece, the game piece having a base with an attachment area and anindicia thereon, the figure comprising: a platform; a character mountedon the platform; and an attachment member for removably engaging with anattachment area of a base.
 12. The figure of claim 11, wherein theattachment member is engageable by an interference fit with a rim formedon an attachment area of a base.
 13. The figure of claim 11, wherein theattachment member comprises one of a magnet or a magnetic material. 14.The figure of claim 11, wherein the attachment member comprises one of ahook or loop fastener.
 15. The figure of claim 11, wherein theattachment member comprises an at least one protrusion extending from abottom of the platform.
 16. The figure of claim 15, wherein the at leastone protrusion includes a protuberance formed on an exterior wall of theat least one protrusion, the protuberance configured to engage at leasta portion of a base to deflect the at least one protrusion duringinsertion, and to disengage the game piece when fully inserted into thebase causing the at least one protrusion to return to its originalposition.
 17. A method of swapping a figure between bases, comprising:obtaining a base having a rotatable dial and an attachment area;attaching a first figure mounted on a platform to the base at theattachment area; removing the first figure from attachment to the base;and attaching a second figure mounted on a platform to the base at theattachment area.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:removing the second figure from attachment to the base; and attaching athird figure mounted on a platform to the base at the attachment area.